Nas' Film "Time Is Illmatic" Acquired by Tribeca Film

Tribeca Film acquired the North American rights to the Nas-themed film Time Is Illmatic, which had its world premiere as the opening night of the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival.

The documentary is directed by multimedia artist One9, written by Erik Parker and produced by One9, Parker and Anthony Saleh.

It follows the trajectory of Nas' 1994 landmark debut album, Illmatic, which is widely considered one of the most important and revolutionary albums in hip-hop. Tribeca Film is planning a simultaneous theatrical and VOD release in October along with performances by Nas in select cities. Additionally, educational youth screening series will complement the release.

Time Is Illmatic traces Nas' influences and the insurmountable odds he faced in creating the greatest work of music from hip-hop's second golden era. The film tracks the musical legacy of the Jones family -- handed down to Nas from his jazz musician father, Olu Dara, the support of his Queensbridge neighborhood crew, and the loyalty of his younger brother Jabari "Jungle" Jones.

"I want to thank Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and the Tribeca Film family for all of the love and support they've given Time Is Illmatic," said Nas. "It is an honor to be in partnership with them. I feel there is a cultural kinship bonded by the city of New York."